Oregon's governor called on federal agencies Wednesday to thoroughly evaluate the environmental impacts of coal-export projects in the Northwest, saying the United States risks locking Asian countries into dependency on fossil fuels if it expands access to vast American coal reserves. Gov. John Kitzhaber, a Democrat, sent a letter asking federal officials to study the environmental impacts of mining coal in Montana and Wyoming, shipping it to the West Coast and burning it in Asia. Ore. governor wants study of coal-export impacts

If all the planned coal-export terminals actually get built, a lot of mile-long coal trains spewing coal dust from uncovered rail cars will rumble through cities and towns — not to mention the Columbia Gorge — all the way from the Powder River Basin of Montana and Wyoming to deepwater ports on the lower Columbia River, in Puget Sound, in Grays Harbor, in the Georgia Strait, and on the Oregon Coast. Maybe they won't all get built. Who knows? The whole may be equal to the sum of its parts, but it will certainly be greater than any single part. Dan Chasan at Crosscut reports. The coal port issue is spreading all over the Northwest

More than 200 ships are scheduled to visit the Port of Seattle this year, bringing millions of dollars in tourist revenue. In the past those ships have also brought wastewater into Puget Sound. But this year, the regulations are a little bit stricter. Starting May 1, cruise ships that visit The Port of Seattle won’t be allowed to release treated sewage and graywater while they’re docked. Ashley Ahearn at EarthFix reports. New Restrictions On Cruise Ship Waste For Seattle Waters

The federal judge who presided over a court battle that pitted Columbia River salmon advocates against hydropower supporters told a television interviewer that four controversial lower Snake River dams should be removed. In his first interview since stepping down from the case last fall, U.S. District Court Judge James Redden told Aaron Kunz, of Idaho Public Television in Boise, "I think we need to take those dams down." Snake River dams should go, says judge now off the case

An 11-person citizens committee has been selected to look at one of the most controversial issues facing the region this year. The deer management citizens advisory group was appointed Wednesday by the Capital Regional District. CRD names 11-person deer advisory group

Contractors working for the Port of Bellingham will collect sediment samples from the bay and the beach this week. They expect to collect samples from storm drains the following week. This round of sampling and analysis will add to information already collected at the site. Results will be compiled in a report called a remedial investigation and feasibility study, which should be ready for public review in 2013. Bellingham Bay Cleanup Plans Move Ahead

The Washington State Invasive Species Council has identified 50 non-native species of concern. They include plants and animals ranging from mere nuisances to destroyers of habitat and threats to other species. Noah Haglund at the Everett Herald shows the top 10. The least-wanted list: Invasive animals

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Salish Sea Communications provides communications and public relations services that raise visibility and engage audiences. Drawing on over 30 years experience in private, public and not-for-profit work, Mike Sato brings to you his skills and insights in developing and carrying out your print, electronic and social media projects and products. "I've been in the communications business since 1977 starting with community weekly newspapers then working for Seattle City Light, the Puget Sound Water Quality Authority, Hawaiian Electric Company and, for 20 years, People For Puget Sound." Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told. WA State UBI #601395482